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My neighbours envied me my food, and regretted they were not growers of this excellent root; and even those who condemned it, (and many did without knowing any thing as to its merits or demerits), said, they would not be another season without it."

Another gentleman says, "The quantity of Mangel Wurzel I grew last year, answered exceedingly well indeed. I never grew any thing where the produce was so great, or my cattle did so well with. The leaves of the Mangel Wurzel kept my hogs and cows in the summer, and the roots, in the winter and spring; they eat it very freely, and did well upon it. As an article of food for cattle, it has no equal, and is worthy of recommendation to those who have no grass land; and even the labourer and mechanic who has a little garden ground, would do well to cultivate so useful a root, as it will afford food for a pig, or a cow, and save the expense of buying corn or hay."

As the turnip crop is very uncertain on many farms in almost every part of England, and subject to the ravages of the fly, so that many crops are often completely destroyed, in defiance of every precaution that has been taken to prevent it, the Mangel Wurzel has the advantage, and may be cultivated with confidence of a crop, its nature being such that the fly will not destroy it. The use of Mangel Wurzel is chiefly for cattle, although its leaves are excellent to boil like spinage, throughout the summer, and the fleshy stalks of the leaves to dress, after the manner of asparagus; the leaves are likewise good in soups, &c.

The extraordinary produce in several farms in Cambridgeshire and the adjoining counties, will appear wonderful to those who have never seen it cultivated. The average quantity of food produced on several farms, is fifty-four tons, or 2,650 bushels per

acre.

"I have been favoured," says Mr. N. " with many

Leisure Thoughts.

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evidences of the nutritive qualities which the Mangel Wurzel possesses in the feeding and fatting of bullocks, sheep, deer, horses, and swine, as well as the great weight produced on an acre."

LEISURE THOUGHTS.

"Our thoughts are heard in Heaven."-DR. YOUNG. READING is an unfailing source of rational pleasure; and there surely is no style of reading which affords such real and lasting advantage as that of the Word of God contained in the Books of the Old and New Testament: other works may fascinate by their wit, or please by their elegance, but they leave no such impression on the heart and mind as that produced by an attentive humble perusal of the holy pages of Inspiration, penned with pure unaffected dignity, and fraught with truth, hope, and mercy. When I peruse, likewise, the works of human genius which illustrate the Divinity, and unfold the Providence of God, so abundantly manifested in the works of his Almighty power, the dispensations of his unerring wisdom, and the wonders of his redeeming love, I am always deeply impressed with thankfulness to that gracious Being who in mercy formed me a reasoning creature, capable of adoring and loving him: and Ĭ quit my book with a satisfaction peculiar to the sublime, important subject, unfelt after the perusal of any of the lesser productions of man.

E. B.

How salutary are the purposes of affliction, and how much spiritual advantage may we derive from the kind chastenings of our Heavenly Father! When all around us continues for a lengthened period uninterruptedly smiling and serene, we are too apt to cling

to the perishable pleasures of this world, less mindful than, as Christians, we ought to be of a better. Oc'casional trials and sufferings rightly considered, lead us gradually from earth, and by weakening the ties which attach us to it, more strongly fix our desires and affections upon that purer happier state where bliss is perfect and abiding. In every situation there is much to endear existence; mortals might be much more happy than they are, if they would be so. Wellregulated pious minds, after having for a while experienced the depressing influence of sorrow, and bowed with unrepining submission to the dispensations of mercy, will rise with renewed powers, (through the implored succour of the Almighty hand which lends the staff and the rod,) to the performance of appointed duties, the grateful acceptance of remaining comforts, and the cheerful participation of continued blessings.

E. B.

THIS world, as must be the case in a probationary scene, has many afflictive trials; but it has also many and great comforts. Although it presents numerous temptations, which, through Divine help, a Christian will strenuously resist, it offers at the same time many blessings and comforts. True religion will heighten life's endearments, cheer its gloom, mitigate its sorrows, and even sanctify its enjoyments.

A THOUGHT AT EVENING.

DAY now declines, mild Ev'ning's shade
Lengthens o'er vale and hill;

Let earthly cares aside be laid,
Each ruffling thought be still.

I'll now improve reflection's hour,
Thought, word, and action scan,
A suppliant to that righteous Pow'r
Who pleads for sinful man.

E. B.

Questions from the History of England.

O'er the drear waste Religion's beam
Bright rays of peace shall cast;
And future scenes in life's mix'd dream,
Gain wisdom from the past.

E. B.

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QUESTIONS FROM THE HISTORY OF ENGLAND. (See page 514, Vol. II.)

Who was king of England after the death of king John?

How old was Henry the third when his father died?
In what year did Henry come to the throne*?
Did John leave the kingdom in a bad state?
Did Henry wish well to the people?

Did he renew to them the charter of liberty? Had he spirit and energy of mind enough to govern the people properly?

What powerful nobleman rebelled against him?

Was Montford successful in his contest with the king?

Whom did Montford take prisoners?

What story is related of the manner in which Prince Edward escaped?

How did the prince proceed after he had made his escape?

Was there a battle fought between the prince and Montford ?

Which side conquered?

Where was the king during this battle?

What is related of the young prince during this battle?

How long did king Henry reign?

In what year did he die +?

How many kings of England have there ever been who reigned more than 50 years

Who were they?

* 1216.

?

† 1272.

When do we first hear of regular parliaments in England?

What has been the form of the English Constitution since that time?

PATIENCE UNDER AFFLICTION.

To the Editor of the Cottager's Monthly Visitor... THAT man is born to trouble as surely as the sparks fly upward, is a truth that we are disposed readily to acknowledge; yet how seldom do we make that use of it which its importance demands! If we really felt convinced, that in this our mortal condition we were to expect that troubles might at any time come upon us; that they belonged to this state of trial, we should not hear those murmurings and complaints which too often arise in the hour of affliction. If trouble be declared by the most patient, though the most afflicted man, to be the portion of man, surely we have no right to complain of what is ordained by an all-wise and allmerciful Creator, who has declared that all shall work together for good to his faithful people. What presumption, then, must it not be, in fallible man, to oppose, either by thought or word, the will of his God!

In the late general distress which has visited the nation, there are few persons who, if they have not been sufferers themselves, have not seen some of their friends and acquaintance experiencing great reverses of fortune, and sinking into poverty. True religion is the great support in every trial; and, in the late troubles, those whose trust has been in God have been enabled to endure their affliction with extraordinary resignation and submission. On the approach of trouble, the pious man addresses his prayers to his

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